Stephen Walter Sterling (California) received a Bachelor's degree in  Psychology from San Francisco State University. He has applied this  academic training in his work as a Certified Hypnotherapist. Teaching and providing spiritual counseling form the core of his professional activities, but he has also had over 20 years of practice in reading the Tarot for clients. Currently, Sterling teaches Metaphysics and Tarot at the Mandala Labyrinth Center in Carmichael, California, as well as regularly giving workshops and lectures on Tarot and its use in psychological well-being.

Drawing on his years of study of Christian, Jewish, and Eastern mysticism, as well as psychology and astrology, Sterling wrote Tarot Awareness: Exploring the Spiritual Path. He felt there was a need for a textbook that both teachers and students could use to facilitate classes and a tool that provides a practical guide for enhancing spiritual awareness, self-help and meditation.